08

Decent Work And Economic Growth

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
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08

Decent Work And Economic Growth

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

Decent Work And Economic Growth

Roughly half the world's population still lives on the equivalent of about US$2 a day. And in too many places, having a job doesn't guarantee the ability to escape from poverty. This slow and uneven progress requires us to rethink and retool our economic and social policies aimed at eradicating poverty. A continued lack of decent work opportunities, insufficient investments and under-consumption lead to an erosion of the basic social contract underlying democratic societies: that all must share in progress. . The creation of quality jobs will remain a major challenge for almost all economies well beyond 2015.

Sustainable economic growth will require societies to create the conditions that allow people to have quality jobs that stimulate the economy while not harming the environment. Job opportunities and decent working conditions are also required for the whole working age population.

What's the goal here?

To promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all.

Facts & figures

  • Global unemployment increased from 170 million in 2007 to nearly 202 million in 2012, of which about 75 million are young women and men.
  • Nearly 2.2 billion people live below the US$2 poverty line and that poverty eradication is only possible through stable and well-paid jobs.
  • 470 million jobs are needed globally for new entrants to the labour market between 2016 and 2030.

Why?

Poverty eradication is only possible through stable and well-paid jobs. Nearly 2.2 billion people live below the US$2 poverty line.

How many people are unemployed?

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), more than 204 million people are unemployed as of 2015. Global unemployment increased from 170 million people in 2007 to nearly 202 million in 2012, of which about 75 million are young women and men.

How many jobs are needed?

470 million jobs are needed globally for new entrants to the labour market between 2016 and 2030, just to keep up with the growth of the global working age population. That's around 30 million per year.

So if they all got a job will extreme poverty end?

In addition to creating jobs, we also need to improve conditions for the some 780 million women and men who are working, but not earning enough to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. In addition, women and girls must enjoy equal access to equal opportunities with men and boys for employment.

I have a job. Why does this matter to me?

Society as a whole benefits when more people are being productive and contributing to their country's growth. Productive employment and "decent work" are key elements to achieving fair globalization and poverty reduction. In addition, unemployment can lead to unrest and disrupt peace if it is left unaddressed.

What does “decent work” mean?

Decent work means opportunities for everyone to get work that is productive and delivers a fair income, security in the workplace and social protection for families, better prospects for personal development and social integration. It is also important that all women and men are given equal opportunities in the workplace. A continued lack of decent work opportunities, insufficient investments and under-consumption lead to an erosion of the basic social contract underlying democratic societies: that all must share in progress.

What can we do to fix these issues?

Providing youth the best opportunity to transition to a decent job calls for investing in education and training of the highest possible quality, providing youth with skills that match labour market demands, giving them access to social protection and basic services regardless of their contract type, as well as levelling the playing field so that all aspiring youth can attain productive employment regardless of their gender, income level or socio-economic background. Governments can work to build dynamic, sustainable, innovative and people-centred economies, promoting youth employment and women's economic empowerment, in particular, and decent work for all. Local authorities and communities can renew and plan their cities and human settlements so as to foster community cohesion and personal security and to stimulate innovation and employment.

Where are volunteer projects that need my help?

The Sustainable Development Goals aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. As such, the 17 SDGs and its associated 169 targets do not stand alone, but are are interconnected. The key to success on one will involve tackling issues more commonly associated with another. If you are interested in supporting a cause addressing to the goal {sdg.name}, you might also be interested in the related goals No Poverty, Reduced Inequalities and Responsible Consumption And Production.

Please visit the website of the United Nations to find out more about Goal 08 Decent Work And Economic Growth and other Sustainable Development Goals.

Source: United Nations